Plasma pharmacokinetics of clorsulon following administration of a single subcutaneous or intravenous injection to cattle

The benzenedisulfonamide derivative clorsulon is a potent fasciolicide which is marketed in fixed combination injectables, typically combined with the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin. In the presented pharmacokinetic study, the plasma profile of clorsulon in 32 healthy, young Brown Swiss cattle was administered a single intravenous dose at 3 mg/kg body weight or subcutaneously at 3, 6 or 12 mg/kg body weight (4 intact male and 4 female animals per treatment) as a 30% w/v clorsulon injection formulation. Serial blood samples were collected up to 24 days after administration to establish the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and dose proportionality of clorsulon. Following a single intravenous injection of clorsulon at 3 mg/kg body weight, the area under the concentration versus time curve from the start of dose administration to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUClast ) was 4830 ± 941 day*ng/mL, and half-live was 2.37 ± 0.98 days. The back extrapolated concentration at time 0 was 38,500 ± 6070 ng/mL. The volume of distribution at steady state and clearance were 685 ± 107 mL/kg and 664 ± 127 mL/day/kg, respectively. In the groups dosed at 3, 6 or 12 mg/kg body weight by subcutaneous injection, clorsulon plasma concentrations rose to maximum within 0.5 day and decreased to the last sample point. For these groups, the maximum plasma clorsulon concentrations were 3100 ± 838, 5250 ± 1220 and 10,800 ± 1730 ng/mL, respectively, and the AUClast was 5330 ± 925, 9630 ± 1300 and 21,500 ± 3320 day*ng/mL, respectively. Half-lives, 2.01 ± 0.62, 3.84 ± 1.42 and 5.36 ± 0.60 days, respectively, increased significantly with dose, likely related to increasing dose volume. Clorsulon was well absorbed and fully bioavailable (103%-114%) after subcutaneous injection. No gender-related difference in systemic exposure was observed. Assessment of Cmax and AUClast demonstrated a proportional increase in systemic exposure to the clorsulon subcutaneous doses over the range of 3-12 mg/kg body weight.

Host-pathogen associations revealed by genotyping of European strains of Anaplasma phagocytophilum to describe natural endemic cycles

BACKGROUND

The zoonotic intracellular alpha-proteobacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick-transmitted pathogen. The associations between vertebrate reservoirs and vectors are described as wide-ranging, and it was previously shown that the pathogenicity of A. phagocytophilum differs depending on the combination of pathogen variant and infected host species. This leads to the question of whether there are variations in particular gene loci associated with different virulence. Therefore, this study aims at clarifying existing host-variant combinations and detecting possible reservoir hosts. To understand these interactions, a complex toolset for molecular epidemiology, phylogeny and network theory was applied.

METHODS

Sequences of up to four gene loci (msp4, msp2, groEL and 16S rRNA) were evaluated for different isolates from variable host species, including, for example, dogs, cattle and deer. Variant typing was conducted for each gene locus individually, and combinations of different gene loci were analysed to gain more detailed information about the genetic plasticity of A. phagocytophilum. Results were displayed as minimum spanning nets and correlation nets.

RESULTS

The highest diversity of variants for all gene loci was observed in roe deer. In cattle, a reduced number of variants for 16S rRNA [only 16S-20(W) and 16S-22(Y)] but multiple variants of msp4 and groEL were found. For dogs, two msp4 variants [m4-20 and m4-2(B/C)] were found to be linked to different variants of the other three gene loci, creating two main combinations of gene loci variants. Cattle are placed centrally in the minimum spanning net analyses, indicating a crucial role in the transmission cycles by possibly bridging the vector-wildlife cycle to infections of humans and domestic animals. The minimum spanning nets confirmed previously described epidemiological cycles of the bacterium in Europe, showing separation of variants originating from wildlife animals only and a set of variants shared by wild and domestic animals.

CONCLUSIONS

In this comprehensive study of 1280 sequences, we found a high number of gene variants only occurring in specific hosts. Additionally, different hosts show unique but also shared variant combinations. The use of our four gene loci expand the knowledge of host-pathogen interactions and may be a starting point to predict future spread and infection risks of A. phagocytophilum in Europe.

Multispecies helminth parasitism of grazing dairy cows in Germany and Austria, examined in the housing period

Helminth composition and burden data for dairy cows have not been reported for >40 years for Germany and even less information is available for Austria. In the context of two recent studies, helminth parasitism was studied in 32 cows (23 from six farms in Bavaria and Tyrol; 9 from one farm in Saxony) from pasture-based dairy farms necropsied during the housing period. Helminths were enumerated and identified based on morphological characters (all helminths but rumen flukes) or molecular techniques (rumen flukes). Thirteen species of gastrointestinal nematodes and two species each of liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica, Dicrocoelium dendriticum) and rumen flukes (Calicophoron daubneyi, Paramphistomum leydeni) were recorded; no lungworms were recovered from any cow. Early fourth-stage (inhibited) larval Ostertagia species nematodes (210 to 140,600) were recovered from all cows, 31 each had adult Ostertagia ostertagi/Ostertagia lyrata (40 to 2020) and Trichostrongylus axei (10 to 53,400), 23 Oesophagostomum radiatum (1 to 242) and 20 Cooperia punctata (10 to 3330). Other nematodes present in descending order of prevalence were: Cooperia oncophora/Cooperia surnabada, Ostertagia leptospicularis/Ostertagia kolchida, Oesophagostomum venulosum, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Chabertia ovina, Nematodirus helvetianus, Trichostrongylus longispicularis, Haemonchus contortus and Aonchotheca bilobata. The cows from Bavaria and Tyrol harbored more total gastrointestinal nematodes than that from Saxony (geometric mean adult plus inhibited larval nematodes, 6510 vs. 2051, respectively). However, in both cohorts of cows abomasal nematodes accounted for ∼97% of the total nematode burden with inhibited larval Ostertagia species nematodes contributing over 70% of the total gastrointestinal nematode burden and ∼ 96% of the Ostertagia species burden. Approximately 44%, 37% and 19% of the cows harbored <5000, 5000 to 10,000 or > 10,000 total gastrointestinal nematodes, respectively. Fecal nematode egg and coproculture nematode larval counts significantly correlated with the cows' total adult nematode burden (r_s = 0.354, p < 0.05, and r_s = 0.608, p < 0.001, respectively). Although the magnitude of nematode burden to exert production effects on dairy cows is not well defined and may vary relative to several factors including nutritional supplementation, the level of mixed parasitism found in this investigation supports consideration of grazing dairy cows in helminth control measures, especially at the time of housing in autumn.

Feasibility of establishing a veterinary marker to total residue in edible tissues with non-radiolabeled study using high-resolution mass spectrometry

Traditionally, in vivo metabolism and total residue studies in veterinary drug research were conducted using radiolabeled drug where information on metabolite profiles and marker residue to total residue ratio is obtained. The Veterinary International Conference on Harmonisation (VICH) guideline GL46 indicates that the metabolism and residue kinetics in food-producing animals may be documented by an alternative approach, one other than the traditional radiolabeled study. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has been widely used in human pharmaceutical R&D from metabolite profiling and identification in early drug discovery to first-in-human (FIH) studies in development. Recent advances in data mining tools have greatly improved the metabolite profiling capability with HRMS. It is now routine to study metabolism using non-radiolabeled samples without missing any major metabolites. In the current paper, we explored the feasibility of conducting non-radiolabeled marker residue studies to obtain metabolism information using HRMS. Metabolite profiles of gamithromycin in edible tissues of sheep treated with 6 mg/kg body weight subcutaneous injections were obtained with HRMS. The semi-quantitative relationship between the level of gamithromycin and the total treatment-related residues was established by determining the percentages of extracted ion chromatograms for metabolites and parent compound residues in each tissue. Major components (gamithromycin and its metabolite, declad) were measured quantitatively using a validated liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Metabolite profiles in excreta were also obtained and the major components measured quantitatively with a LC-MS/MS method to ensure no major metabolite was missing. Combining previous knowledge of marker residue studies in cattle and swine, as well as an in vitro comparative metabolism study with metabolite data across various species, gamithromycin was designated as the marker residue in sheep edible tissues. The marker to total residue ratios were established using a combination of the semi-quantitative HRMS results and quantitative results with the major components: the marker residue and declad. The pros and cons of the HRMS method as well as the appropriate use of the method for marker residue studies are discussed.

Eprinomectin 5% w/v extended-release injection for the treatment of larval and/or adult Bunostomum phlebotomum, Haemonchus contortus, H. placei, Nematodirus helvetianus, Oesophagostomum radiatum, and Trichostrongylus colubriformis infections in cattle

In an effort to generate data for regulatory purposes on the therapeutic efficacy of eprinomectin 5% w/v extended-release injection (Eprinomectin ERI) (LongRange®, Boehringer Ingelheim) against infections of immature and adult stages of some nematode species (or stages) which are generally less common or predominantly seen in younger cattle, nine studies (minimum two per parasite and stage) were conducted in the USA and Germany. A total of 218 young cattle were included in seven experimentally induced infection studies (180 animals) and two studies with naturally acquired nematode infections (38 animals), which were compliant with WAAVP and VICH guidelines. In each study, cattle were randomly assigned into groups which received 1 mL per 50 kg body weight of either saline (controls) or Eprinomectin ERI (equivalent to 1 mg eprinomectin per kg body weight) via subcutaneous injection when the parasites were developing fourth-stage larval (L4) or adult nematodes. Following necropsy and parasite recovery, percentage efficacy was calculated based on the comparison of geometric mean nematode counts of the Eprinomectin ERI- vs. the saline-treated animals. Eprinomectin ERI-treated cattle had significantly (p < 0.05) lower counts of each species and stage of nematodes than the controls. Eprinomectin ERI treatment was demonstrated to be efficacious (> 90%) against L4 and adult Bunostomum phlebotomum and Nematodirus helvetianus; against L4 Haemonchus placei, Oesophagostomum radiatum, and Trichostrongylus colubriformis; and against adult H. contortus. Percentage efficacy against L4 H. contortus was variable (69.6 to 100%). All treatments were well accepted, and no treatment-related health problems were observed in any study.

A note on the relationship between fecal larval excretion and Protostrongylus rufescens lungworm burden in sheep

The examination of feces for stages of parasitic helminths is the most widely used methodology for the intravital diagnosis in domestic animals of patent endoparasitism including pulmonary nematode infections. Although there is only little information on the relationship of lungworm larval excretion and corresponding parasite burdens, fecal larval counts are used as indirect measure ("biomarker") for the intensity of infection, for instance in anthelmintic efficacy studies. To assess the relationship between fecal larval and Protostrongylus rufescens parasite counts in sheep, log-transformed data of 14 naturally infected animals were analyzed. The larval excretion of the sheep was monitored in approximately weekly intervals over 6 weeks before lungworm recovery. Analyses were performed on the larval counts (at a single time point or counts averaged over several consecutive time points) relating to parasite counts. Fecal larval counts and the P. rufescens nematode burden (range, 17 to 406) were significantly and strongly correlated (p < 0.05 for all analyses; Spearman's r > 0.6) with the number of larvae excreted increasing with increasing lungworm burden. Subsequently performed regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant strong linear relationship between P. rufescens worm and fecal larval counts (p < 0.01 for all analyses; R², range 0.5094 to 0.8150). Analyses based on larval counts averaged over two or more consecutive time points resulted in higher Spearman's r and R² compared with analyses based on single time point larval counts. Despite of some variability, the analyses indicate that fecal larval counts can be regarded as a useful measure of the P. rufescens burden in sheep.

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships of pour-on administered eprinomectin in nematode-infected lactating female and male castrated dairy breed goats

Eprinomectin (EPM), a macrocyclic lactone with low excretion in milk and high efficacy against endoparasites and ectoparasites, is widely used in veterinary medicine. In this paper, EPM pharmacokinetics and anthelmintic efficacy previously established in one study with lactating female goats and three studies with male castrated growing dairy breed goats (all with induced mixed adult gastrointestinal nematode parasitism and treated with a single 1-mg/kg pour-on administration of EPM) were retrospectively evaluated using pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling. The PK-PD analyses between EPM exposure (C_max and AUC_last) and anthelmintic response (percent efficacy) were performed for lactating female goats only and pooled lactating female and male castrated goats. The C_max and AUC_last showed no significant difference between lactating female goats and combined male castrated goats. PK-PD modeling demonstrated Trichostrongylus colubriformis, a small-intestine nematode, as a suitable indicator of the EPM nematocidal efficacy. The EC₉₀ values obtained by modeling C_max vs T. colubriformis were 3.50 and 2.43 ng/mL for lactating female goats only and pooled lactating female and male castrated goats, respectively. The values of AUC_last needed for 90% efficacy of T. colubriformis were 25.4 and 21.1 day*ng/mL for lactating female goats only and pooled lactating female and male castrated goats, respectively. Overall, the predicted pharmacological response against T. colubriformis is similar for lactating goats only and pooled lactating female and male castrated goats and correlates with observed efficacy. In conclusion, a dosage of 1-mg/kg EPM as a pour-on is sufficient to ensure efficacy against common nematodes in both lactating female and male castrated goats.

Bovine parafilariosis - New autochthonous cases from Germany and summary of recent reports from Europe

Bovine parafilariosis is an emerging fly-borne disease in central Europe, characterized by seasonal occurrence of hemorrhagic exudations ('bleeding spots') from the end of winter to end of summer. In two cases from Germany reported here, one animal of a small herd in Bavaria and 20 animals on a farm in Baden-Württemberg presented bleeding spots from late March and late April 2020, respectively. Exudate samples from both cases were positive for larvated Parafilaria eggs. Examination of the skin and trimmed tissue after slaughter of the animal from Bavaria resulted in the collection of 11 nematodes (two males, eight females, one specimen in fragments). The animal's carcass presented typical yellow-greenish areas and bloody spots on the subcutaneous tissue of the flesh side of the skin. The nematodes were microscopically determined as Parafilaria bovicola. Basic morphometric measurements of two (one intact) male and six female nematodes are within the ranges of published data; length (male/female) 28.8/48.0-64.5 mm; width, 397.6 μm/430.7-527.6 μm; distance of cervical papillae to anterior end, 177.6/248.9-337.4; left spiculum/right spiculum (male), 365.3-379.4/149.5-180.3 μm; gubernaculum 45.0-48.1 μm; distance of vulva to anterior end (female), 37.3-66.0 mm. In order to gain information on P. bovicola in its vector, 91 cattle-visiting Musca autumnalis flies were collected from the affected animal in Bavaria (36 flies) and from co-pastured animals (55 flies) for PCR analysis and sequencing. A total of 14 flies were PCR-positive for filarial DNA, and sequencing of a fragment of the cox1 gene resulted in identification of P. bovicola (n = 10) and Thelazia gulosa (n = 5). This report presents further cases of bovine parafilariosis in Germany, provides morphometric data on male and female P. bovicola nematodes retrieved from cattle and identified DNA of P. bovicola and T.gulosa in M. autumnalis flies collected at a site of occurrence of bovine parafilariosis.

Gamithromycin in sheep: Pharmacokinetics and clinical evaluation against ovine footrot

In the context of a development program to obtain the market authorization of injectable gamithromycin 15% w/v solution (Zactran®, Boehringer Ingelheim) for use in sheep against footrot, the pharmacokinetic profile of gamithromycin was established and the safety and efficacy of the treatment were confirmed in a multicenter field study in Europe. The basic pharmacokinetic parameters established in healthy young Merino sheep administered gamithromycin at 6 mg/kg body weight based on the analysis of plasma samples which were collected in intervals up to 12 days after subcutaneous injection were: area under the curve until last quantifiable concentration, 8.88 ± 2.33 μg*h/mL; maximum plasma concentration, 448 ± 180 ng/mL; terminal half-life, 42.5 ± 5.25 h. The safety and clinical efficacy against footrot of gamithromycin 15% w/v solution were evaluated in comparison to tilmicosin 30% w/v solution (Micotil®, Elanco) treatment in 364 sheep of various breeds, sex and age from commercial farms in the United Kingdom (2 sites), Germany (3 sites) and France (1 site). Animals were enrolled based on lesions characteristic of footrot and lameness associated with the presence of footrot-related bacterial pathogens and were randomly allocated and treated in a 1:1 ratio with a single subcutaneous dose of gamithromycin or tilmicosin at label dosage (6 or 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively). Lameness and footrot lesions were evaluated at five and 21 days after treatment; the injection site in all animals was examined the day after treatment and followed up daily in the animals with injection site reaction until complete injection site reaction resolution. Samples of 310 and 120 animals tested positive for Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum, respectively, at inclusion, and data of 359 animals were included into the combined analyses (5 animals excluded for unintentional overdosing [1], lack of follow-up [1], concurrent antibiotic medication for non-footrot conditions [3]). Lameness scores at 21 days after treatment demonstrated a significantly (p = 0.0396) better success for the gamithromycin treatment compared to the tilmicosin treatment (97.8% vs. 93.3%). Post-dosing footrot lesion scores followed similar trends of rapid and marked decrease (improvement) for both treatments with similar (p = 0.127) treatment success for the gamithromycin and tilmicosin treatments (97.8% and 96.0%, respectively). Both treatments were safe; injection site reactions noted in 19 gamithromycin- and 25 tilmicosin-treated animals resolved within five days or six days of treatment, respectively. Gamithromycin 15% w/v solution administered once to sheep by subcutaneous injection at 6 mg/kg body weight demonstrated a pharmacokinetic profile similar to that reported previously in sheep and cattle and was confirmed to be a safe and efficacious treatment for naturally occurring ovine footrot in a multicenter clinical field study conducted in Europe.

Pour-on administration of eprinomectin to lactating dairy goats: Pharmacokinetics and anthelmintic efficacy

Lactation is discussed as a physiological covariate which may influence the exposure characteristics of systemically acting drugs including macrocyclic lactones and potentially alter their pharmacological response. This study characterizes for the first time in the same study, the plasma profile and therapeutic anthelmintic efficacy of eprinomectin 5 mg/ml solution (EPRINEX^® Multi, Boehringer Ingelheim) administered as a pour-on at 1 mg per kg body weight to lactating dairy goats. The study was conducted in compliance with VICH GCP and anthelmintic efficacy evaluation guidelines and included 20 goats harboring induced adult gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematode infections. The goats were blocked on pre-treatment body weight and randomly allocated either to remain untreated (control) or to be eprinomectin-treated. Plasma samples to determine the plasma disposition kinetics of eprinomectin (B1a component) were obtained at intervals up to 14 days following treatment when the animals were necropsied for parasite enumeration and identification. Basic pharmacokinetic parameters of eprinomectin determined in the ten eprinomectin-treated goats were as follows: AUC_last , 23.8 ± 9.7 day*ng/ml and C_max , 5.35 ± 2.27 ng/ml; individual maximum plasma concentrations were observed from 8 to 48 h after treatment (median T_max , 0.5 days). Topical eprinomectin treatment efficacy, based on significant (p < .01) worm burden reductions in eprinomectin-treated animals relative to untreated controls, was ≥97% to 100% against adult Dictyocaulus filaria, Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta(pinnata/trifurcata), Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, Cooperia curticei, Nematodirus battus, and Oesophagostomum venulosum. Both pharmacokinetic parameters and anthelmintic activity in lactating dairy goats were similar to those observed in parasitized young growing and adult female non-lactating dairy goats treated with eprinomectin administered as a pour-on.

Gamithromycin in swine: Pharmacokinetics and clinical evaluation against swine respiratory disease

The pharmacokinetics of gamithromycin were evaluated in 26 male castrated and female crossbred swine administered gamithromycin 15% w/v (Zactran®, Boehringer Ingelheim) intravenously at 6 mg/kg bodyweight or intramuscularly at 3, 6 or 12 mg/kg bodyweight. Blood samples were collected up to Day 10 to establish the plasma profile of gamithromycin, bioavailability and dose proportionality. When administered by intramuscular injection at 6 mg/kg BWT, pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: area under the curve until last quantifiable plasma concentration, 5.13 ± 0.957 µg*hours/ml; maximum plasma concentration, 960 ± 153 ng/ml at 5 to 15 min; terminal half-life of 94.1 ± 20.4 hr. Absolute bioavailability was 92.2%. Increase in systemic exposure was proportional to the gamithromycin dose level over the range 3-12 mg/kg BWT. No gender-related statistically significant difference in exposure was observed. For clinical evaluation of Zactran® against swine respiratory disease, 305 pigs from six commercial farms in three countries in Europe with signs associated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and/or Haemophilus parasuis and/or Pasteurella multocida and/or Bordetella bronchiseptica were used. At each site, animals were treated once in a 1:1 ratio with a single intramuscular dose of Zactran® (6 mg gamithromycin/kg bodyweight) or Zuprevo® (4% w/v tildipirosin at 4 mg/kg bodyweight; MSD Animal Health) at the recommended dose respectively. Animals were observed and scored daily for 10 consecutive days for signs of swine respiratory disease (depression, respiration and rectal temperature), and animals presenting signs of clinical swine respiratory disease (Depression Score 3 and/or Respiratory Score 3 associated with Rectal Temperature > 40.0°C) were removed from the study and considered as treatment failure. Animals which remained in the study were individually assessed for 'treatment success' or 'treatment failure' (Depression Score ≥ 1 and Rectal Temperature > 40.0°C or Respiratory Score ≥ 1 and Rectal Temperature > 40.0°C). Using a non-inferiority hypothesis test (non-inferiority margin = 0.10), the proportion of treatment successes in the Zactran® group (97%) was equivalent to or better than that in the Zuprevo® group (93%).

Tick-borne fever caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Germany

Four cows from North-West Germany have been diagnosed with tickborne fever (TBF) based on the demonstration of morulae in neutrophilic granulocytes in their blood smears, positive signals in real-time PCR specific for Anaplasma phagocytophilum using DNA extracted from their buffy coats, and demonstration of specific antibodies in their sera using a commercially available immunofluorescence assay. Clinical findings included high fever, decreased milk production, lower limb edema with stiff walking, eye and nasal discharge, and depression. These signs developed about a week after the animals had been brought to the pasture for the first time in their life. All cows recovered after 5–15 days, although DNA of A. phagocytophilum could be detected by real-time PCR up to 6 weeks after onset of the disease. Considering the known prevalences of A. phagocytophilum in ticks in Germany and its detection in dogs and horses, we think that underdiagnosing of TBE in cattle is highly likely. Therefore TBF should be taken into account as differential diagnosis in case of high fever and/or a sudden decrease in milk production in pastured animals.

Eprinomectin pour-on (EPRINEX® Pour-on, Merial): efficacy against gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematodes and pharmacokinetics in sheep

Background

The anthelmintic efficacy of the 0.5% w/v topical formulation of eprinomectin (EPN), EPRINEX® Pour-on (Merial) when administered at 1 mg/kg body weight was evaluated in sheep in two dose confirmation laboratory studies and one multicenter field study. In addition, the pharmacokinetics of EPN when administered at that dosage to adult sheep was determined.

Results

In the two dose confirmation studies, which included 10 sheep each, sheep treated with topical EPN had significantly (p < 0.05) fewer of the following nematodes than the untreated sheep with overall reduction of nematode counts by >99%: adult Dictyocaulus filaria, Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta(pinnata/trifurcata), Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Cooperia curticei, Nematodirus battus, Strongyloides papillosus, Chabertia ovina and Oesophagostomum venulosum, and inhibited fourth-stage Teladorsagia larvae.

A total of 196 sheep harboring naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode infections were included in the field efficacy study at two sites each in Germany (48 Merino x Ile de France lambs, 52 adult Merino females) and in Italy (adult male and female Bagnolese, Lacaune, Lacaune x Bagnolese, Bagnolese x Sarda sheep; 48 animals per site). Animals were blocked on pre-treatment body weight and within each block, one animal was randomly assigned to the control (untreated) group and three animals were randomly assigned to be treated with topical EPN. Examination of feces 14 days after treatment demonstrated that, relative to the controls, topical EPN-treated sheep had significantly (p < 0.0001) lower strongylid egg counts. Reduction was ≥97% at each site and 98.6% across all sites.

Pharmacokinetics of EPN following single treatment with topical EPN were determined in eight ~4.5 year old female Merino cross sheep based on the analysis of plasma samples which were collected from two hours to 21 days following treatment. The main pharmacokinetic parameters were: C_max 6.20 ± 1.71 ng/mL, AUC_last 48.8 ± 19.2 day*ng/mL, T_max 3.13 ± 2.99 days and T_1/2 6.40 ± 2.95 days.

No treatment-related health problems or adverse drug events were observed in any study.

Conclusion

These studies demonstrated 0.5% w/v EPN administered topically at 1 mg/kg body weight to be highly efficacious against a broad range of ovine gastrointestinal nematodes and D. filaria lungworms and well tolerated by sheep of different ages, breeds, gender and physiological status.

Sex-specific association between obesity and self-reported falls and injuries among community-dwelling Canadians aged 65 years and older

This study investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and falls among community-dwelling elderly. Results indicate that obesity is associated with increased falls and there appears to be a sex-specific difference with obese men at higher risk of falling. Obesity is identified as a risk factor for falls in men.

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of falls, fall-related injuries, and obesity has increased over the last decade. The objectives of this study were to investigate sex-specific association and dose-response relationship between BMI and falls (and related injuries) among community-dwelling elderly.

METHODS

Our study sample consisted of 15,860 adults aged 65 years or older (6399 men and 9461 women) from the 2008-2009 Canadian Community Health Survey-Healthy Aging (CCHS-HA). Falls, fall-related injuries, and BMI measures were self-reported. For both sex, dose-response curves presenting the relationship between BMI, falls, and fall-related injuries were first examined. Thereafter, multivariate logistic regression analyses were also performed to investigate these relationships after adjustment for potentially confounding variables.

RESULTS

Of women, 21.7 % reported a fall and 16.9 % of men. The dose-response relationship between BMI and prevalence of falls showed that underweight and obese individuals reported falling more than normal and overweight individuals; this being more apparent in men than women. Finally, the dose relationship between BMI and prevalence of fall-related injuries showed that only obese men seem more likely to have sustained a fall-related injury. Results from the multivariate analysis showed that obesity in men was significantly associated with higher odds of falling odds ratio (OR) 1.33 (1.04-1.70) and was not significantly associated with higher odds of fall-related injuries OR 1.10 (0.66-1.84) over a 12-month period compared to normal weight men. For women, obesity was not significantly associated with higher fall prevalence OR 0.99 (0.79-1.25) and fall-related injuries OR 0.71 (0.51-1.00).

CONCLUSION

Obesity is associated with self-reported falls, and there appears to be a sex-specific difference in elderly persons.

Efficacy of oral afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime chewables against induced gastrointestinal nematode infections in dogs

The efficacy of oral afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime combination chewables against induced gastrointestinal nematode infections in dogs was evaluated in six separate studies. Two studies were performed to evaluate the efficacy of the product against Toxocara canis, two studies evaluated the efficacy against Toxascaris leonina, one study evaluated the efficacy against Ancylostoma braziliense, and one study evaluated the efficacy against Ancylostoma caninum. In the A. caninum study, the efficacy of milbemycin oxime alone and afoxolaner alone was also evaluated. Dogs in all studies were inoculated with infective eggs or larvae and confirmed to have patent infections based on a fecal examination prior to allocation to study group and treatment. Each study utilized a randomized block design with blocks based on pre-treatment body weight. All dogs were assigned to blocks based on body weight, and then each dog within a block was randomly assigned to treatment group. There were two groups of 10 dogs each in the T. canis, T. leonina, and A. braziliense studies: 1) an untreated (control) group and 2) a group treated with afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime chewables (NexGard Spectra(®), Merial). This group was treated at a dose as close as possible to the minimum effective dose of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime (2.5mg+0.5mg per kg body weight, respectively) once on Day 0 using whole chews. There were four groups of 10 dogs each in the A. caninum study: 1) untreated (control), 2) NexGard Spectra(®) as described above, 3) milbemycin oxime alone (dose of at least 0.5mg per kg of body weight) and 4) afoxalaner alone (dose of at least 2.5mg per kg body weight). For parasite recovery and counts, dogs were euthanized humanely and necropsied seven days after treatment. The efficacy of the afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime combination was ≥98% against T. canis, ≥95.8% against T. leonina, and 90.2% against A. braziliense. Efficacy of the combination against A. caninum was 99.7%, while the efficacy of milbemycin oxime alone was 99.6% and the efficacy of afoxolaner alone was 2.1%. Dogs treated with afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime chewables had significantly (p≤0.0002) fewer nematodes than the untreated controls in all studies. There were no adverse events or other health problems that were related to treatment with Nexgard Spectra(®) in these studies. The results of these controlled studies demonstrate the high efficacy of the afoxolaner plus milbemycin oxime chewables against a broad range of canine intestinal nematode infections.

Parasites and vector-borne pathogens in client-owned dogs in Albania. Blood pathogens and seroprevalences of parasitic and other infectious agents

Knowledge on the epidemiology of parasitic and vector-borne infections is still very limited for Albania, a country located in the Balkan Peninsula in southeast Europe. Recent publications indicated prevalence rates of up to 52% for vector-borne infections in less-cared dogs in Albania. To provide data on the epidemiological situation in dogs under veterinary care, a total of 602 client-owned dogs presented to four small animal clinics between March 2010 and April 2011 in Tirana, Albania, were screened by examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears, PCR, and serological methods for the presence of arthropod-borne infections, as well as Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. Eight different pathogens, namely Babesia vogeli, Hepatozoon canis, Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis, and Mycoplasma haemocanis, were detected by direct methods with prevalence rates ranging from 1 to 9%. Seroprevalence for Babesia spp., L. infantum, Anaplasma spp., and E. canis were 6.6, 5.1, 24.1, and 20.8%, respectively. Dogs >1 year of age were positive for vector-borne infections significantly more often than younger dogs (p = 0.003). More than half (51.7%) of the dogs were seroreactive to T. gondii and 18.3% to N. caninum. This is the first report on the detection of A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, E. canis, and M. haemocanis by PCR as well as the serological confirmation of exposure of dogs to N. caninum and T. gondii in Albania. The spectrum of pathogens and the seroprevalences for N. caninum and T. gondii in client-owned dogs from Tirana, Albania, are comparable to that reported in other countries in the Mediterranean Basin. The prevalence rates of vector-borne pathogens are at the lower range of that reported in studies from this geographical region. This is probably due to increased awareness of the owners of pet dogs, including better husbandry conditions and ectoparasiticidal treatment, thus limiting exposure of dogs to vectors.

Multilocus sequence typing of canine Giardia duodenalis from South Eastern European countries

Giardia duodenalis is a worldwide occurring protozoan that can infect various mammalian hosts. While living conditions are getting closer between pet animals and owners, there is discussion whether dogs may contribute to the transmission of these pathogens to humans. The present study was conducted in order to identify the Giardia assemblages in dogs from South Eastern Europe. For this purpose, 1645 faecal samples of household and shelter dogs from Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania and Serbia were tested for Giardia coproantigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A subset of 107 faecal samples demonstrating Giardia cysts by direct immunofluorescence assay (IFA) or microscopy (15-22 per country) plus 26 IFA-positive canine faecal samples from Croatia were used for DNA extraction and multilocus sequence typing with nested PCRs targeting five different gene loci: SSU rRNA, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, beta giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi). One third (33.7%) of the samples tested positive for Giardia antigen in the coproantigen ELISA. Shelter dogs were infected more frequently than household dogs (57.2 vs. 29.7%, p < 0.01). Amplification was obtained in 82.0, 12.8, 11.3, 1.5, and 31.6%, of the investigated samples at the SSU rRNA, bg, gdh and tpi loci and the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region, respectively. The dog-specific assemblages C and D were identified in 50 and 68 samples, respectively. The results demonstrate that G. duodenalis should be considered as a common parasite in dogs from South Eastern Europe. However, there was no evidence for zoonotic Giardia assemblages in the investigated canine subpopulation.

Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System (QICDSS), an innovative approach

INTRODUCTION

With the growing burden of chronic diseases, surveillance will play an essential role in improving their prevention and control. The Institut national de santé publique du Québec has developed an innovative chronic disease surveillance system, the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System (QICDSS). We discuss the primary features, strengths and limitations of this system in this report.

METHODS

The QICDSS was created by linking five health administrative databases. Updated annually, it currently covers the period from January 1, 1996, to March 31, 2012. The operational model comprises three steps: (1) extraction and linkage of health administrative data according to specific selection criteria; (2) analysis (validation of case definitions essentially) and production of surveillance measures; and (3) data interpretation, submission and dissemination of information. The QICDSS allows the surveillance of the following chronic diseases: diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, osteoporosis, osteoarticular diseases, mental disorders, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The system also lends itself to the analysis of multimorbidity and polypharmacy.

RESULTS

For 2011-2012, the QICDSS contained information on 7 995 963 Quebecers with an average age of 40.8 years. Of these, 95.3% met at least one selection criterion allowing the application of case definitions for chronic disease surveillance. The actual proportion varied with age, from 90.1% for those aged 19 years or less to 99.3% for those aged 65 years or over.

CONCLUSION

The QICDSS provides a way of producing population-based data on the chronic disease burden, health services and prescription drug uses. The system facilitates the integrated study of several diseases in combination, an approach rarely implemented until now in the context of population surveillance. The QICDSS possesses all the essential features of a surveillance system and supports the dissemination of information to public health decision-makers for future actions.

Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System (QICDSS), an innovative approach

Introduction

With the growing burden of chronic diseases, surveillance will play an essential role in improving their prevention and control. The Institut national de santé publique du Québec has developed an innovative chronic disease surveillance system, the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System (QICDSS). We discuss the primary features, strengths and limitations of this system in this report.

Methodology

The QICDSS was created by linking five health administrative databases. Updated annually, it currently covers the period from January 1, 1996, to March 31, 2012. The operational model comprises three steps: (1) extraction and linkage of health administrative data according to specific selection criteria; (2) analysis (validation of case definitions essentially) and production of surveillance measures; and (3) data interpretation, submission and dissemination of information. The QICDSS allows the surveillance of the following chronic diseases: diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, osteoporosis, osteoarticular diseases, mental disorders, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The system also lends itself to the analysis of multimorbidity and polypharmacy.

Results

For 2011–2012, the QICDSS contained information on 7 995 963 Quebecers with an average age of 40.8 years. Of these, 95.3% met at least one selection criterion allowing the application of case definitions for chronic disease surveillance. The actual proportion varied with age, from 90.1% for those aged 19 years or less to 99.3% for those aged 65 years or over.

Conclusion

The QICDSS provides a way of producing population-based data on the chronic disease burden, health services and prescription drug uses. The system facilitates the integrated study of several diseases in combination, an approach rarely implemented until now in the context of population surveillance. The QICDSS possesses all the essential features of a surveillance system and supports the dissemination of information to public health decision-makers for future actions.

Active and safe transportation of elementary-school students: comparative analysis of the risks of injury associated with children travelling by car, walking and cycling between home and school

INTRODUCTION

Elementary school active transportation programs aim to address physical inactivity in children by prompting a modal shift from travel by car to walking or cycling among children living a distance from school conducive to walking or cycling. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the risk of injury related to walking, cycling and travelling by car between home and school among elementary-school students in the Montréal area and to evaluate the impact on number of injuries of a modal shift from travel by car to walking or cycling.

METHODS

The risk of injury was estimated for the 2003-2007 period by calculating the average annual rate of injury in children aged 5 to 12 years walking, cycling or being driven in a car, per 100 million kms travelled during the normal hours of travel between home and school. The impact of a modal shift from travel by car was evaluated for children living a distance from school conducive to walking and cycling (under 1.6 km), that is, the targets of active transportation programs. This evaluation was done using the regional rate of injury calculated for each travel mode.

RESULTS

Between 2003 and 2007, an average of 168 children aged 5 to 12 years were injured each year while walking (n = 64), cycling (n = 28) and being driven in a car (n = 76) during the normal hours of travel between home and school in the Montréal area. The rate of injury was 69 children injured per 100 million kms for travel by car (reference group), 314 pedestrians (relative risk [RR] = 4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.3-5.1) and 1519 cyclists (RR = 22.2; 95% CI: 14.3-30.0). A shift of 20% in the distance travelled by car to walking by children living less than 1.6 km from their school is estimated to result in an increase of 2.2% (n = 3.7) in the number of children injured each year in the area. In the case of a shift to cycling, the number of resulting injuries is estimated to be 24.4, an increase of 14.5%.

CONCLUSION

The risk of injury among elementary-school students during the normal hours of travel between home and school is higher for walking and cycling than for travel by car, and cyclists are at greater risk of injury than pedestrians. A modal shift from travel by car would increase the number of children injured in the area (minor injuries, for the most part) if no action were taken to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists.

Eine Berechnung des H2O-Moleküls

Das H2O-Molekül wird nach der Valenzstrukturmethode mit Konfigurationswechselwirkung behandelt. Für den Aufbau der Zustandsfunktion wird eine Minimalbasis von einfachen oder linear kombinierten SLATER-Funktionen gewählt. Als Konfigurationen werden solche benutzt, die beim Sauerstoffkern stets zwei ls-Elektronen sowie zwei 2p-Elektronen in der zur Molekülebene senkrechten Richtung enthalten. Neben der ausführlichen Berechnung des Grundzustandes werden Rechnungen zu allen auftretenden Kombinationen von Symmetrie und Gesamtspin durchgeführt. Zu den besten Näherungen werden außer der Gesamtenergie auch Zustandsfunktionen mit einer graphischen Darstellung der Elektronendichte in der Molekülebene, Dipolmomente und Kernschwingungsfrequenzen angegeben.

Survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, haemotropic mycoplasmas and other arthropod-borne pathogens in cats from Albania

Background

Albania is a country on the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. The Mediterranean climate is favourable for the stable development of many arthropod species, which are incriminated as vectors for various agents. Recently, several papers have reported on epidemiological aspects of parasitic diseases including vector-borne disease agents of dogs with zoonotic characteristics in Albania. However, data on the epidemiology of feline parasitic and bacterial agents in Albania is scarce.

Methods

Serum and EDTA-blood samples collected from 146 domestic cats from Tirana during 2008 through 2010 were examined for exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Leishmania infantum, and Anaplasma spp. with IFAT, for infection with L. infantum, A. phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp. and haemotropic mycoplasmas with conventional PCR and real-time PCR and for Dirofilaria immitis with antigen ELISA. Additionally blood smear microscopy was carried out for detection of blood-borne pathogens.

Results

Antibodies to T. gondii (titre ≥1:100) were demonstrated in 91 cats (62.3%). Antibodies to N. caninum (titre ≥1:100), L. infantum (titre ≥1:64) and Anaplasma spp. (titre ≥1:100) were found in the serum of 15 (10.3%), 1 (0.7%) or 3 (2.1%) cats, respectively. DNA of haemotropic mycoplasmas was detected in the blood of 45 cats (30.8%), namely Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (21.9%), Mycoplasma haemofelis (10.3%), and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (5.5%), with ten cats harbouring co-infections of two mycoplasmas each; blood from one cat was PCR positive for Bartonella henselae. No DNA of Leishmania spp. and A. phagocytophilum or circulating D. immitis antigen was detected in any cat sample. The overall prevalence of haemotropic mycoplasmas was significantly higher in male compared to female cats (40.6% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.0444); and age was associated positively with the prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii (p = 0.0008) and the percentage of haemotropic mycoplasma infection (p = 0.0454).

Conclusions

With the broad screening panel including direct and indirect methods applied in the present study, a wide spectrum of exposure to or infection with parasitic or bacterial agents was detected.

Validation of a deprivation index for public health: a complex exercise illustrated by the Quebec index

Introduction

Despite the widespread use of deprivation indices in public health, they are rarely explicitly or extensively validated, owing to the complex nature of the exercise.

Methods

Based on the proposals of British researchers, we sought to validate Quebec's material and social deprivation index using criteria of validity (content, criterion and construct validity), reliability and responsiveness, as well as other properties relevant to public health (comprehensibility, objectivity and practicality).

Results

We reviewed the international literature on deprivation indices, as well as publications and uses of the Quebec index, to which we added factual data.

Conclusion

Based on the review, it appears that the Quebec index responds favourably to the proposed validation criteria and properties. However, additional validations are required to better identify the contextual factors associated with the index.

Validation of a deprivation index for public health: a complex exercise illustrated by the Quebec index

INTRODUCTION

Despite the widespread use of deprivation indices in public health, they are rarely explicitly or extensively validated, owing to the complex nature of the exercise.

METHODS

Based on the proposals of British researchers, we sought to validate Quebec's material and social deprivation index using criteria of validity (content, criterion and construct validity), reliability and responsiveness, as well as other properties relevant to public health (comprehensibility, objectivity and practicality).

RESULTS

We reviewed the international literature on deprivation indices, as well as publications and uses of the Quebec index, to which we added factual data.

CONCLUSION

Based on the review, it appears that the Quebec index responds favourably to the proposed validation criteria and properties. However, additional validations are required to better identify the contextual factors associated with the index.

Arthropod-borne infections in travelled dogs in Europe

Pet animal movement is ever increasing within the European Union and in that context canine vectorborne infections gained a considerable importance. Information on these infections in travelled dogs is nevertheless limited. A first prospective study on vector-borne infections was conducted in 106 dogs travelling from Germany to countries in South and South-East Europe. The dogs were screened prior to and consecutively up to three times after travel by haematological (Giemsa-stained buffy coat smears, Knott’s-Test), molecular biological (PCR) as well as serological (IFAT, DiroChek^®-ELISA) methods for arthropod-borne infections. Seven animals were seropositive for antibodies against Babesia canis sspp., Leishmania spp. and/or Ehrlichia canis prior to travel to Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, Greece, or Hungary. In the consecutive screening after return there was no increase in the number of seropositive dogs. None was positive in direct methods. The mean duration of the stay was 17 days and 51% of the dogs were prophylactically treated with ectoparasiticidal formulations. Preliminary data from this study on canine vector-borne infections indicate a low risk for infection during a limited single stay in endemic countries.

Babesia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing ticks, ticks parasitizing rodents and the parasitized rodents--analyzing the host-pathogen-vector interface in a metropolitan area

Background

The aims of this study were to evaluate the host-tick-pathogen interface of Babesia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in restored areas in both questing and host-attached Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus and their small mammalian hosts.

Methods

Questing ticks were collected from 5 sites within the city of Leipzig, Germany, in 2009. Small mammals were trapped at 3 of the 5 sites during 2010 and 2011. DNA extracts of questing and host-attached I. ricinus and D. reticulatus and of several tissue types of small mammals (the majority bank voles and yellow-necked mice), were investigated by PCR followed by sequencing for the occurrence of DNA of Babesia spp. and by real-time PCR for A. phagocytophilum. A selected number of samples positive for A. phagocytophilum were further investigated for variants of the partial 16S rRNA gene. Co-infection with Rickettsia spp. in the questing ticks was additionally investigated.

Results

4.1% of questing I. ricinus ticks, but no D. reticulatus, were positive for Babesia sp. and 8.7% of I. ricinus for A. phagocytophilum. Sequencing revealed B. microti, B. capreoli and Babesia spp. EU1 in Leipzig and sequence analysis of the partial 16S RNA gene of A. phagocytophilum revealed variants either rarely reported in human cases or associated with cervid hosts. The statistical analysis revealed significantly less ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum in a city park in Leipzig as compared to the other sampling sites. A. phagocytophilum-DNA was detected in 2 bank voles, DNA of B. microti in 1 striped field-mouse and of Babesia sp. EU1 in the skin tissue of a mole. Co-infections were detected.

Conclusion

Our results show the involvement of small mammals in the natural endemic cycles of tick-borne pathogens. A more thorough understanding of the interactions of ticks, pathogens and hosts is the essential basis for effective preventive control measures.

[Prevalence of haemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Bartonella spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cats in Berlin/Brandenburg (Northeast Germany)]

Aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Mycoplasma (M.) haemofelis, Candidatus Mycoplasma (C. M.) turicensis, C M. haemominutum, Bartonella spp. (B. henselae, B. clarridgeiae and B. quintana) and Anaplasma (A.) phagocytophilum in cats in Northeast Germany in relation to their living conditions (indoor/outdoor/ stray cat), and tick/flea exposure. 265 cats were included in the study (150 indoor, 99 outdoor access, 16 stray cats). A questionnaire provided the following data: derivation, housing environment, and previous flea/tick exposure. Serum antibody titers against A. phagocytophilum, B. henselae, and B. quintana were determined by an immunofluorescence test (IFT). PCR tests (EDTA blood) were used to test for A. phagocytophilum, M. haemofelis, C. M. turicensis, C. M. haemominutum, B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae. In 19 of 265 cats (7.2%) DNA of one or more Mycoplasma spp. was detected: C M. haemominutum (5.3%), M. haemofelis (1.5%) and C M. turicensis (1.1%); three of the cats were tested positive for the feline immunodeficiency virus. All cats were B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae PCR-negative in peripheral blood. However, 91 of 245 cats (37.1%) had antibody titers > 1:200 for B. henselae (Houston I, Marseille type) and 46 (18.8%) for B. quintana. Antibody titers > 1:64 against A. phagocytophilum were detected in 24 cats (9.1%); one cat (0.4%) was PCR-positive. Since infections with haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and also with arthropodborne organisms (Bartonella spp., A. phagocytophilum) occur in cats from the area Berlin/Brandenburg (Germany) an appropriate arthropod-control is recommended. Further studies are needed to evaluate the relevance of these infectious agents for the individual cat.

Tick-borne fever caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Germany: first laboratory confirmed case in a dairy cattle herd

Four cows from North-West Germany have been diagnosed with tick-borne fever (TBF) based on the demonstration of morulae in neutrophilic granulocytes in their blood smears, positive signals in real-time PCR specific for Anaplasma phagocytophilum using DNA extracted from their buffy coats, and demonstration of specific antibodies in their sera using a commercially available immunofluorescence assay. Clinical findings included high fever, decreased milk production, lower limb edema with stiff walking, eye and nasal discharge, and depression. These signs developed about a week after the animals had been brought to the pasture for the first time in their life. All cows recovered after 5-15 days, although DNA of A.phagocytophilum could be detected by real-time PCR up to 6 weeks after onset of the disease. Considering the known prevalences of A.phagocytophilum in ticks in Germany and its detection in dogs and horses, we think that underdiagnosing of TBE in cattle is highly likely. Therefore TBF should be taken into account as differential diagnosis in case of high fever and/or a sudden decrease in milk production in pastured animals.

[High perinatal mortality associated with triple anthelmintic resistance in a German sheep flock]

High perinatal mortality, low milk yields and occasional ewe deaths were investigated in a Dorper sheep flock in Southern Germany. Parasitic gastroenteritis due to Trichostrongylus spp. associated with severe weight loss despite regular anthelmintic treatments of the flock was identified as the underlying cause. A faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test revealed zero reduction after treatment with ivermectin or albendazole, respectively, and a FECR of 57.9% following treatment with levamisole. These results indicate a lack of, or considerably reduced efficacy of substances from all three classical groups of anthelmintics and demonstrate that triple anthelmintic resistance is also present in Germany. The introduction of resistant worm populations with imported livestock, excessive use of anthelmintic drugs and under-dosing of goats have possibly led to the problem in the flock described. Veterinary advice on anthelmintic treatments and responsible parasite control programmes are therefore crucial in small ruminant flocks.

Seroprevalence and bacteremia [corrected] of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cats from Bavaria and Lower Saxony (Germany)

Anaplasma (A.) phagocytophilum is a tick-transmitted obligate intracellular bacterium and has been identified in a wide range of mammalian species, causing febrile disease in some. Few reports show that it can also cause granulocytic anaplasmosis in cats. As data on the occurrence of A. phagocytophilum in cats from Germany is limited, a total of 326 serum and 306 EDTA-blood samples from cats from Germany were screened by direct (Giemsa-stained blood/buffy coat smears, real-time PCR) and indirect (IFAT) methods. Of 274 Giemsa-stained blood smears which could be evaluated none was positive for morulae, but one blood sample (< or =0.1%; 1/306) was positive for A. < or = phagocytophilum-DNA in PCR. Antibodies (cutoff > or = 1:64) were detected in 53 out of 326 samples (16.2%). Altogether, the results show a high seroprevalence rate of anti-A. phagocytophilum antibodies in cats in Germany while the low detection rate of this bacterial agent by direct methods is similar to those of other studies on A. phagocytophilum infections in cats.

Hohe perinatale Sterblichkeit in einer Schafherde im Zusammenhang mit Dreifach-Anthelminthikaresistenz

Eine hohe Neugeborenensterblichkeit, Milchmangel und vereinzelte Todesfälle bei Mutterschafen führten zur Untersuchung einer Dorper-Schafherde in Süddeutschland. Als zugrunde liegende Ursachen wurden Abmagerung und eine hohe Belastung mit Trichostrongylus spp. trotz regelmäßiger anthelminthischer Behandlung identifiziert. Die weitere parasitologische Untersuchung der Herde mittels Eizahlreduktionstest ergab keinerlei Eizahlreduktion nach Anwendung von Ivermectin oder Albendazol sowie eine deutlich verminderte Eizahlreduktion von 57,9% nach Behandlung mit Levamisol. Diese Ergebnisse sind Zeichen einer fehlenden bzw. deutlich verringerten Wirksamkeit von Stoffen aus allen drei klassischen Anthelminthikagruppen. Dieser Fall zeigt, dass auch in Deutschland mit Mehrfachresistenzen gegen die klassischen Anthelminthikagruppen gerechnet werden muss. Einschleppung resistenter Wurmpopulationen durch Zuchttierimporte, übermäßiger Einsatz von Anthelminthika und Unterdosierung von Wirkstoffen bei Ziegen stellen mögliche Ursachen im beschriebenen Fall dar und verdeutlichen, dass dem Parasitenmanagement und der Beratung von Schaf- und Ziegenhaltern von tierärztlicher Seite erhöhtes Augenmerk zu schenken ist.

Canine babesiosis in Romania due to Babesia canis and Babesia vogeli: a molecular approach

Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the protozoa Babesia spp. that affects dogs worldwide. In Romania, canine babesiosis has become quite frequent in the last few years, with a wide variety of clinical signs, ranging from mild, nonspecific illness to peracute collapse, and even death. Traditionally, a Babesia infection in dogs is diagnosed based on the morphologic appearance of the intraerythrocytic piroplasms observed in peripheral blood smears. To date, no data on genetic characterization of Babesia species in dogs has been documented for Romania. Therefore, a molecular survey on natural Babesia infections of dogs in Romania using polymerase chain reaction and genetic sequence analysis of a fragment of the ssRNA gene was performed. A total number of 16 blood samples were tested for the presence of Babesia DNA. Blood samples were collected from 11 dogs with symptoms of babesiosis and microscopically proven positive for Babesia and from a group of five asymptomatic dogs, not tested microscopically for Babesia, which were included in the study for comparative analysis. The piroplasm-specific PCR amplifying the partial 18S rRNA gene confirmed Babesia spp. infection in all 11 samples from dogs with clinical babesiosis, and in one of the clinically normal dogs. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of Babesia canis in all clinically affected dogs and Babesia vogeli in one clinically normal dog. This is the first molecular evidence of B. canis and B. vogeli in dogs from Romania. The results of the study provide basic information toward a better understanding of the epidemiology of canine babesiosis in Romania and will help to promote an effective control program.